DERBYSHIRE: Severe weather travel warning

Derbyshire County Council staff and volunteers have battled over the last 72 hours dealing with some of the most severe weather conditions in recent times.

The weather is still causing significant problems in the High Peak, the northern part of the Derbyshire Dales, around Ashbourne and other areas in Derbyshire that are high and exposed. Snow fall combined with strong winds have caused drifts of up to 20 feet in some areas.

The council is working to keep A roads clear in the north of the county – but as roads are cleared snow is blowing across them again. Many B roads and rural roads are closed.

Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, Councillor Simon Spencer, said: “Our advice is not to travel north of Ashbourne and Bakewell and on into the High Peak, or on any high and exposed routes. Many roads are closed - we are doing what we can to keep the A roads open.

“My thanks go to our gritting crews who have worked extremely hard in trying conditions. Thanks also to our countryside rangers, rangers from the Peak Park and volunteers from Peak 4 x 4 we have kept our home care service going – making sure that elderly and vulnerable people continue to receive the vital service that we provide.

“Please keep an eye on elderly and vulnerable neighbours and relatives to make sure they’re warm enough, especially at night, with plenty of food and medicines so they don’t need to go out. And we’re also urging people to make sure they have enough heating fuel as this weather is set to stay around for a while.”

Residents can find a wealth of information about severe weather issues including protecting your home, being a good neighbour, staying warm and what to do in an emergency on the county council’s website at www.derbyshire.gov.uk/snow along with:

* School closures

* Links to latest weather updates

* What’s happening on the roads

* Find your nearest grit bin

* Gritting routes and live updates from gritters

* ‘Is my road gritted?’ search facility

* Tips on winter driving, gritting pavements and paths and staying safe and well

* Sign-up for email alerts

Smartphone users can also get information on the go from the county council’s mobile site at m.derbyshire.gov.uk